François Bayrou, the head of MoDem and mayor of Pau, recently expressed his opposition to the use of 49.3 to pass the future immigration bill. In an interview with Le Parisien, he explained that in his opinion, this question is “not adapted” to this legislative tool. Furthermore, he was reluctant towards the idea of a referendum on the subject.
According to François Bayrou, there is a distinction to be made between “essential” texts, for which the use of 49.3 is justified in the event of parliamentary blockage, and “useful” but not vital texts. He considers that the bill on immigration is part of this second category and therefore finds it “regrettable” that Parliament is unable to find an agreement. He believes that this would allow the French to see who is preventing the improvement of this legislation, but he is confident about the possibility of overcoming this obstacle.
Regarding the use of 49.3, François Bayrou believes that this procedure is not adapted to the question of immigration. He specifies, however, that when it comes to voting on budgets, the use of 49.3 is not negative and even constitutes an essential element of our democratic system to avoid constant blackmail.
Regarding a possible referendum on immigration, François Bayrou is reluctant to support this idea. He explains that he does not want to make immigration a flammable subject, fueled every day by new controversies. However, he believes that the Constitution should allow a people to defend its identity and its values, even when it welcomes migrants and grants them asylum.
François Bayrou also defends the regularization of undocumented workers in sectors where there is a labor shortage. He considers that this would be a measure that is both useful and fair, so as not to let these people live in an irregular situation while they work, learn French and wish to integrate.
The immigration bill continues to divide and pose majority problems in government. Its discussion in the National Assembly has been postponed several times and should take place in the fall. The different political sensitivities within the presidential majority make the debate complex and the outcome uncertain.
In conclusion, François Bayrou highlights his desire to find a balance between better management of immigration and respect for the values and identity of the French people. His opposition to the use of 49.3 and his reluctance towards a referendum show his desire to favor political and legislative solutions to address this complex issue.